April 19, 2010

Eve's Cidery Essence

As an admitted wine and beer geek, I really (really) love stumbling upon new libations in unexpected places. I love it even more if it's a style or beverage that is new to me.

I picked up a bottle of this Eve's Cidery Essence ($22) at the Ithaca Farmer's Market last summer -- after I spent way too much time deciding which of the amazing, mostly ethnic, food stalls to buy lunch from.

Essence is an "ice cider" that is made by allowing
late harvest juice to freeze partially. As the juice freezes the water
is separated out and the remaining juice is concentrated with high brix
and intense flavors -- just like ice wine.

I don't know that much about them, but ice ciders are apparently very popular in Canada, but the U.S. TTB doesn’t
have an ice cider category yet, so this cider can't be labeled that way.

Pure fresh and roasted apple aromas are joined by a distinct caramel note on a bright, intense nose.

Sweet but not sugary or cloying because of balancing acidity, it tastes almost like apple pie without the crust -- apples, caramelized sugar and something that hints at spice.

"Ice Cider" has been defined by law in Quebec where it was invented. Requirements include using natural cold weather (not a freezer) for concentration, using local apples, and residual sugar level must be at least 13%. The current level of production / sales volume in the USA is so low that TTB really isn't spending any time trying to standardize, which is probably a good thing for all of us creative small entrepreneur types.

PS - I think "Essence" is fantastic. Autumn Stoscheck who makes it has done an amazing job - one of the youngest to ever get a liquor license in the state of NY I believe. Her hard ciders are really excellent too.